PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CANTALOUPE “CHARENTAIS“ FRUITS APPLIED TO DESIGN SEED-EXTRACTOR

Abstract

The aim of this research is to study some physical and mechanical properties of cantaloupe “charentais” variety that provide the basic data for the proper design of handling-machines. The tested physical and mechanical properties were incorporated in the design of the seed-extraction machine as a case study. The main results in this study can be summarized as follows: Physical properties of cantaloupe fruits: diameter = 81.99 – 112.16 mm, height = 66.69 – 127.55 mm, geometric diameter = 83.5 – 117.31 mm, mass = 332 – 902 g, volume = 345 - 1000 cm3, projected area = 85.21 – 173.79 cm2, real density = 0.87 – 1.00 g/cm3, bulk density = 0.695 g/cm3, sphericity = 0.84 – 1.18. Mechanical properties: maximum rolling-angle was 20 – 25 degree, minimum rolling-angle was 12 – 20 degree and the average firmness of cantaloupe-fruit was 85.71 N/cm2. The physical and mechanical properties are incorporated in the design of the cantaloupe-fruit hopper size and wall angle, convey belt with pressing fingers, pressing mechanism and separation mechanism (vibrated chain-belt) of the proposed design idea of seed-extraction machine is given also in the paper as a case study.